Christo and Jeanne-Claude developed the concept for The Gates in 1979 and on January 22, 2003, New York granted permission to the artists to realize their vision.

The Gates are supposed to create a visual golden river appearing and disappearing through the bare branches of the trees, highlighting the shapes of the footpaths. This is accomplished by free-hanging, saffron-colored fabric panels that are suspended from the top of individual 'gates' (which are really just metal bars along the path) and hang down to 7 feet (2.13 m) above the ground and cover 23 miles of Central Park real estate. The project cost 30 million and lasts just 16 days.

"What's the Point?" was the most common question we overheard along the way and the answer is this: "The luminous moving fabric underlines the organic and serpentine design of the walkways, while the rectangular poles are a reminder of the grid pattern of the City blocks around the park."

Now for my opinion...
Despite the cold, now that I am back in my warm & happy home, I'll have to say that it was inspiring. It's good to know that NYC has the balls to say yes to an exhibit like this and it's nice to know that there is funding out there for artists that have a vision that breaks all the rules.

Enjoy the pics!

Kristin

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. Today the weather is moderately cold but very sunny. Spring is just around the corner (I keep telling myself), even though there is snow on the ground. Mark and Kristian are going to Tuscany Italy the first week in April. Carrie and Jim have visited Italy, too. Anything to share with Mark and Kristian before they go? Paul, any stories to share about the Philippines? Natasha, Chuck, Eileen, Sam and Jim - haven't "blogged" yet. As a reminder, you have to go into TypePad first, register and create a password. This is where you write your blogs and then they get posted to the family website. Typepad is sort of like the post office - you depost your "mail" there and it gets delivered to your designated website. And after you write your message, don't forget to click on the SAVE button - or your message will not get posted. I lost 3 messages before I figured it out. Well, we're off to Home Depot - our Sunday outing today. Have a great week!!!

Mom B

Well, I'm trying this again for the 4th time because the other 3 times my blog did not post. So here goes.

We are planning a trip to Florida - March 30 to April 8th. We are planning to spend a couple of days in Key West. We've never been there, but have heard it's fun and interesting sight-seeing.

We joined Eric to help celebrate his 11th birthday a couple of weeks ago, along with Chuck, Eileen, Sam and Gabbi, at a place called "Dave & Buster's" which is like a Las Vegas Casino for kids. Tons of arcade games to play. And we had an nice dinner, too.

Sam will be 14 on March 19th - and graduating from 8th grade in June. High School is the new world to conquer, and we're sure Sam is up for the challenge. Her sights are set on Notre' Dame University after her four years in high school. (We can start the pledge drive right now). Well, let's see if I can get this posted. Once we get used to this, I hope we will all use it often - it's a great way to keep in touch.

Geeetings from the Apple,

Back in NYC now from a most educational and exhausting trip. The show was okay, but due to the director/creator/ass being a complete idiot, I don't think the show will be moving foward. In any business, you have to learn gow to listen and compromise and this guy failed both subjects.

I'll post some pix in the near future of the trip. Something to look foward to for all you blog readers.

breathe in breathe out,

P